The Indian Himalayas are the dream destination for trekkers. This post covers 12 iconic treks from glacier expeditions to remote mountain passes in Kumaon.
The Kumaon Himalayas are far less crowded than many popular trekking regions in India. From beginner-friendly meadow walks to glacier and pass crossings, Kumaon has something for everyone. This guide brings together the best treks in the Kumaon region, with clear details and research-backed information to help you choose the right trek.
Table of Contents
1. Pindari Glacier Trek
The Pindari Glacier Trek is one of the most popular and accessible glacier treks in India. It follows a well-defined trail through oak and rhododendron forests, traditional Kumaoni villages like Khati and river valleys.
This trek is ideal for those who want to experience a Himalayan glacier without technical difficulty. The gradual ascent makes it suitable even for first-time trekkers.
Pindari Glacier is one of the most famous treks in Kumaon and is often considered the starting point for people new to Himalayan trekking. The trail begins from Loharkhet and goes through villages like Dhakuri and Khati.
The trek follows the Pindar River and slowly climbs through forests, wooden bridges and open valleys. The glacier itself is massive and surrounded by high peaks like Nanda Devi, Nanda Kot and Changuch.
| Detail | Information |
| Region | Kumaon Himalayas |
| Base Camp | Loharkhet/ Khati |
| Difficulty | Moderate |
| Total Distance | 45 km (round trip) |
| Altitude | 3,800 m / 12,467 ft |
| Min Age | 15+ years |
| Terrain Type | Forest trails, river valleys, villages |
| Ideal For | Beginners, families, first glacier trek |
| Best Season | April–June, September–October |
| Nearest town/city | Bageshwar |
2. Milam Glacier Trek
Milam was a thriving trade town until the 1962 China border closure. You’ll see ruins of colonial-era trading depots and Tibetan prayer flags. Access to Gothi Parbat and Raitoli Peak views.
Milam Glacier is one of the longest and most remote treks in Kumaon. It takes you deep into the historic Johar Valley, once a major Indo-Tibetan trade route. Due to its length and remoteness, this trek demands strong fitness, acclimatisation and prior trekking experience.
Milam Glacier is one of the longest glaciers in India and lies deep inside the Johar Valley. This trek is longer and more demanding than Pindari.
Milam village was once a busy trade center where locals traded wool, salt and grains with Tibet. Today, the village stands partly abandoned, giving the area a strong historical feel.
| Detail | Information |
| Region | Eastern Kumaon (Johar Valley) |
| Base Camp | Munsiyari |
| Difficulty | Difficult |
| Total Distance | 110 km (round trip) |
| Altitude | 4,223 m/ 13,877 ft |
| Min Age | 15+ years |
| Terrain Type | Remote valleys, moraines, high-altitude terrain |
| Ideal For | Experienced trekkers |
| Best Season | June–September |
| Nearest | Munsiyari |
3. Panchachuli Base Camp Trek
This trek takes you to the base of the famous Panchachuli peaks, a group of five massive mountains that dominate the skyline near Munsiyari. The trail passes through dense forests, river crossings and traditional Bhotia villages. The trail runs alongside the Kali and Dhauliganga rivers.
The Panchachuli peaks are deeply respected by locals and are often mentioned in folk stories and legends. It is one of the most dramatic mountain bases towering over the Panchachuli peaks (20,000+ ft).
Wild rhododendron forests and connected ridge walks.
| Detail | Information |
| Region | Eastern Kumaon |
| Base Camp | Dharchula |
| Difficulty | Moderate to Difficult |
| Total Distance | 60 km |
| Altitude | 4,200 m / 13,800 ft |
| Min Age | 14+ years |
| Terrain Type | River valleys, alpine terrain |
| Ideal For | Adventure seekers, photographers |
| Best Season | May–June, September |
| Nearest town/city | Dharchula |
4. Ralam Glacier Trek
Ralam Valley is a raw and untouched trekking destination leading to the Ralam Glacier. It is far less crowded than Pindari or Kafni. The trail passes through traditional Johar villages and landscapes shaped by glaciers.
Ralam Valley starts from the Munsiyari area. It is known for its wide valley, alpine flowers and glacier-fed rivers. The trek offers views of Nanda Devi East and the surrounding peaks without extreme difficulty.
| Detail | Information |
| Region | Eastern Kumaon |
| Base Camp | Munsiyari |
| Difficulty | Difficult |
| Total Distance | 96 km |
| Altitude | 3,900 m/ 12,795 ft |
| Min Age | 15+ years |
| Terrain Type | Glacial valleys, river crossings |
| Ideal For | Seasoned trekkers |
| Best Season | June–September |
| Nearest town/city | Munsiyari |
5. Khaliya Bugyal / Khaliya Top Trek
Khaliya Bugyal is one of the most beautiful alpine meadows and an easy trek in Kumaon. The trek is short but rewarding with views of Panchachuli, Nanda Devi and Hardeol peaks. It is ideal for beginners who want a high-altitude experience without long trekking days.
It can be done in a short time. Bugyals are alpine grasslands used by shepherds for grazing during summer. From Khaliya Top, trekkers get wide views of snow-covered Himalayan ranges.
| Detail | Information |
| Region | Eastern Kumaon |
| Base Camp | Munsiyari |
| Difficulty | Easy to Moderate |
| Total Distance | 12 km |
| Altitude | 3,600 m / 11,800 ft |
| Min Age | 8+ years |
| Terrain Type | Forest trails, alpine meadows |
| Ideal For | Beginners, weekend trekkers |
| Best Season | March–June, September–November |
| Nearest town/city | Munsiyari |
6. Binsar Wildlife Sanctuary Trek
This trek is more about nature and wildlife than altitude. Considered as the short trek in Kumaon, the sanctuary is home to rich birdlife, leopards, deer and dense oak forests. This trek takes you through thick forests inside the Binsar Wildlife Sanctuary.
The Zero Point inside Binsar offers a clear view of the Himalayan range. Going here requires forest entry permits.
| Detail | Information |
| Region | Central Kumaon |
| Base Camp | Binsar |
| Difficulty | Easy |
| Total Distance | 5–10 km |
| Altitude | 2,420 m / 7,940 ft |
| Min Age | 5+ years |
| Terrain Type | Forest paths, nature trails |
| Ideal For | Families, nature lovers |
| Best Season | All year (except heavy monsoon) |
| Nearest town/city | Almora |
7. Loharkhet – Khati – Toli Trek
This trek combines Himalayan landscapes with village life. Khati village, one of the largest in Kumaon, offers a cultural experience. Toli Top provides wide mountain views and camping spots. This route connects Loharkhet to Khati village and further toward high mountain areas. Khati is one of the oldest villages in the region and serves as a base for multiple glacier treks.
The trail passes through forests, rivers and traditional homes built from stone and wood. Traditional villages here that haven’t changed for centuries. Khati is the oldest settlement in the Johar Valley and a cultural hotspot Bhotia tribal heritage & festivals.
| Detail | Information |
| Region | Kumaon |
| Base Camp | Loharkhet |
| Difficulty | Moderate |
| Total Distance | 30 km |
| Altitude | 3,350 m / 11,000 ft |
| Min Age | 10+ years |
| Terrain Type | Forests, villages, meadows |
| Ideal For | Cultural trekking |
| Best Season | April–June, September–October |
| Nearest town/city | Almora |
8. Ranthan Kharak Trek
Ranthan Kharak is a hidden meadow trek which makes it an excellent alternative to crowded meadow treks. Ranthan Kharak is known for its wide alpine meadows located at high altitude. The trek involves long days of walking through open landscapes with minimal tree cover.
It is best suited for trekkers who enjoy isolation and expansive views.
Why it is special?
- Large open grasslands, rhododendrons and remote terrain.
- High altitude grasslands (Kharaks) with 360° Himalayan views.
- Meadows, scrubs, moraines, unique landscape texture.
- Pristine rivers flowing through high passes.
| Detail | Information |
| Region | Eastern Kumaon |
| Base Camp | Munsiyari |
| Difficulty | Moderate |
| Total Distance | 38 km |
| Altitude | 4,000 m / 13,300 ft |
| Min Age | 12+ years |
| Terrain Type | Meadows, forest ridges |
| Ideal For | Offbeat trek lovers |
| Best Season | May–June, September |
| Nearest town/city | Munsiyari |
9. Sunderdhunga Glacier Trek
Sunderdhunga is considered one of the most scenic glacier treks in Kumaon. It offers views of peaks like Maiktoli and Tharkot. The trail is challenging and best attempted with proper preparation.
Sunderdhunga translates to “Valley of Beautiful Stones.” This trek is more rugged compared to Pindari and passes through rocky terrain, waterfalls and glacial valleys.
Why it is special:
- Raw landscapes and adventurous terrain.
- Dramatic glacier terrain with flared rock walls.
- Views of Nanda Devi and Rishi Parvat peaks.
- Tarn lakes like Kalindi Tal en route.
- Valley trails pass old temples and tribal areas with seasonal pilgrimages.
| Detail | Information |
| Region | Kumaon |
| Base Camp | Loharkhet |
| Difficulty | Difficult |
| Total Distance | 52 km |
| Altitude | 4,900 m / 16,000 ft |
| Min Age | 16+ years |
| Terrain Type | Glacier moraines, alpine terrain |
| Ideal For | Serious trekkers |
| Best Season | May–June, September |
| Nearest town/city | Almora |
10. Nanda Devi East Base Camp Trek
This trek takes you close to the legendary Nanda Devi massif. The route passes through some of the most isolated Himalayan terrain. It is physically demanding but rewarding. This is one of the most challenging and rewarding treks in Kumaon. The route takes you close to Nanda Devi East, a peak that holds great spiritual importance.
The trek passes through high-altitude villages and remote valleys. Nanda Devi is worshipped as a divine mother-goddess in local folklore; the trek is often described as a journey into nature’s sacred core.
| Detail | Information |
| Region | Eastern Kumaon |
| Base Camp | Munsiyari |
| Difficulty | Difficult |
| Total Distance | 90 km |
| Altitude | 4,300 m / 14,100 ft |
| Min Age | 16+ years |
| Terrain Type | Remote valleys, glaciers |
| Ideal For | Advanced trekkers |
| Best Season | May–June, September |
| Nearest town/city | Munsiyari |
11. Kafni Glacier Trek
Kafni Glacier lies alongside the Pindari route but remains less crowded. Kafni Glacier trek branches off from the Pindari route and leads to a quieter glacier area. The trail is gentle and passes through shepherd settlements and meadows.
The glacier offers close views of the surrounding peaks like Nanda Kot, Mrigthuni, Maiktoli, Changuch, Nanda Bhanar.
| Detail | Information |
| Region | Kumaon |
| Base Camp | Loharkhet |
| Difficulty | Moderate |
| Total Distance | 60 km |
| Altitude | 3,810 m/ 12,500 ft |
| Min Age | 15+ years |
| Terrain Type | River valleys, glacier approach |
| Ideal For | Glacier exploration |
| Best Season | April–June, September -October |
| Nearest town/city | Bageshwar |
12. Sinla Pass Trek
Sinla Pass is a challenging crossover trek connecting Darma Valley to Jolingkong Lake in the Kuthi Yankti valley. It offers expansive views and demanding terrain. It is one of the more adventurous treks in the region.
Things to know:
- Requires permits and guides
- The weather can be unpredictable
| Detail | Information |
| Region | Kumaon |
| Base Camp | Supi Village |
| Difficulty | Difficult |
| Total Distance | 60 km |
| Altitude | 4,700 m / 15,400 ft |
| Min Age | 16+ years |
| Terrain Type | High mountain pass, ridges |
| Ideal For | High-altitude adventure |
| Best Season | June–September |
| Nearest town/city | Nainital |
Trekking in the Kumaon Himalayas is not just about reaching a destination. It is about walking through history, understanding mountain culture and experiencing nature in its purest form.
If you are looking for authentic Himalayan trekking with fewer crowds, Kumaon is one of the best places to explore.
Leave a Comment